Event draws 425 bikes, raises $7,225 cash

Polk County was ATM (all things motorcycle) Saturday, Nov. 26 as riders paraded all over the county in the annual Toy Run to raise toys and money for area needy children.

This year’s Polk County Toy Run raised $7,225, included 425 motorcycles with 600 riders and collected 17 bags of toys.

“This was the best year since we had a Harley Davidson raffle a few years ago,” Toy Run Director Barry Gee said. “This year was excellent.”

Last year’s Toy Run had 300 motorcycles with about 450 riders and raised $6,000.

Ronnie Smith won the 50/50 raffle for a Kamado Joe Grill donated by Blue Waters Pool and Spas of Columbus. The cash collected for organizations includes money generated from T-shirt sales, raffle tickets and registration for the event.

This year’s event also almost sold out of T-shirts, which was the most T-shirts ever sold at the local Toy Run. This year’s T-shirt design was created by Elizabeth Shanahan, a student at Polk County High School.

The parade of motorcycles began at the Saluda Fire Department and ended at the Polk County Courthouse, traveling throughout the county on the way. Some motorcycles had toys strapped on the back, and one motorcycle pulled a cage carrying a live pig.

The toys are distributed throughout the community to children in need. The money raised is split between the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, the Polk County Department of Social Services, Steps To HOPE and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s programs for the needy. Checks will to be distributed this week to the organizations.

The sheriff’s office sponsors the event annually.